21:47 Jan 5 

Not to mention the number of folk who push the caddie munching a packet of biscuits they have taken from the shelf and intend to pay for on the way out, but do not always pay for. Technically speaking, putting an item in your caddie is an expression of intention to purchase but it's not yours until it's paid for. Maybe I should start opening stuff before paying for it and insist upon a lower rate of VAT at the checkout!

20:34 Jan 5 

Not quite sure what the position now is, since they had initially reduced the VAT rate for on-premises consumption, but have now apparently put it up again to an intermediate rate of 7% (to confirm)

There are lots of products in general departments, like bananas, that might or might not be eaten straightaway; but there is a certain range of products (such as those I have mentioned) that are clearly specifically intended for immediate consumption.

My local Carrouf marks certain products (esp. in F&V) as "you can pay for this with your meal vouchers".

18:55 Jan 5 

@Tony
'the range of foods you buy in order to "se restaurer"' - You mean like bunches of bananas?

I believe that VAT is charged at a higher rate on food bought and eaten on the premises in the supermarket cafeteria or snack bar. So, that might be behind the use of the term "restauration"?

@Nikki
It's even sadder to know that France is McDonalds' most profitable market outside the US!

17:24 Jan 5 

Here's a source where "restauration" appears to be use in the sense of self-service snacks in the fresh foods chilled display. "

Cf. "III. le concept snacking"

(Sometimes I hate what is done to English").

Perhaps not the contradiction I had first thought. It is indeed a sad day to realise that France uses "restauration" for what I call "on-the-hoof-bouffe".

15:36 Jan 5 

I totally agree with your request, but do note that the term is used in this context, as specific technical industry jargon, with roughly the meaning I've suggested — it's the range of foods you buy in order to "se restaurer".

In this, it departs slightly from the meaning as generally perceived by lay persons.

15:29 Jan 5 

Yes, more context needed. You tell use that it is a list of food categories. Are you sure as on its own, the term refers to restaurant services, cafeteria, sncak bar, etc. In other words, the provision of a supply of prepared foods served in situ ready to eat. Difficult for it to be conceived as snacks you buy "au rayon frais" etc without more context.
There is a contradiction in the terms standard range of meanings and your information that it is a food category.

12:24 Jan 5 

You have stated that this is a category of food, presumably sold in the supermarket — is this in fact the case, or could this be some other kind of associated revenue-generating activity, such as the in-store cafeteria as some people have suggested?

It really would help to know more of your wider context!